Bhubaneswar: In view of the heavy to very heavy rainfall warning, Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi has ordered close monitoring in the districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi and Nuapada.

As flood situation may occur in the districts, the concerned collectors have been directed to keep administrative machinery prepared to meet any possible situation that may arise in the event of extremely heavy rainfall.

Collectors have been asked to identify habitations, hostels of residential schools and welfare institutions that are likely to be affected and accordingly shift inmates to safe shelters.

“Advance arrangements may be made for providing adequate food, safe drinking water, lighting, health and sanitation facilities at all shelters/ relief camps,” states SRC's letter to Collectors.

The authorities have been asked to plan in advance for distribution of emergent food assistance to the affected people. Fire service teams are also under alert to carry out search and rescue operation.

“Requirement of ODRAF team, if any, may be intimated. Warning to fishermen is to be implemented strictly. Keep the State Emergency Operation Centre updated about the situation in the district,” the letter concludes.

A fresh low pressure area is likely to form over Northeast Bay of Bengal around 4th August and light to moderate rain or thundershower is very likely to occur at most places of Odisha under its influence.

On August 3

Orange Warning (Be prepared): Heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely to occur at isolated places over the districts of Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi.